Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Aug 10, 1999 02:16am | #1

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   Hello Nugene. Wellcome to the world of home ownership.

   You can not simply splice in a new switch. You will need to abandon the old switch or upgrade to three way stwitches which will allow you to switch the light from both the old and new locations.

   The magic word is "attic." Assuming you can get to the "top plate" or top of the wall fraiming where you want the new switch and also to the electrical "junction box" under (on top of?) the light either option should be a snap.

   At this point, some of the regulars here would tell you to hire a pro, that electricity is too dangerous for people with no experience. I think a switch change is a good place to start. I am, however, going to recommend you purchase one of the illustrated electrical wiring books available at home stores and book stores. You may find one at your library. They cover cutting in remodel boxes, snaking cable, and making connections. Make sure the book you buy has a section on three switches. These are a little tricky to wire. Read the book before you buy any materials. Especially the part on safety!!

   E-mail me if you have any questions.

   PS The most simplest and most important part of this and any electrical project is finding and disabling the fuse or circut breaker(s) that protect the curcuts you are working on.

1. 
   Guest_ | Aug 10, 1999 02:30am | #2

   *You can buy a unit at home depot that will do this without any additional wiring. You wire in a swithch at the existing location and wall mount a remote swithch at the new location. The remote swithch uses a 9v battery. There should be adequate instructions with the unit.

1. 
   Guest_ | Aug 10, 1999 04:14am | #3

   *PS. The manufacutrer is Heath Zenith. You should be able to find other sources besides HD. It works great, and the battery should last a long time, since it is only used momentarily when the swithch is thrown.

1. 
   Guest_ | Aug 12, 1999 06:04am | #4

   *if you didnt want to use the gadget and simply wanted the switch moved without switching from two locations you could use the existing switch box as a junction box...then carry a new cable from the switch box to the new location installing a switch there. Then place a "blank" cover over the old switch. Still no job for a beginner due to various "switch leg" possibilities and pulling wires through unknown territory

2. 
   michael_allen | Aug 17, 1999 08:24am | #5

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   You could also go under the house with the wiring. I have done that before. Sometimes it is easier to do that than go through the attic.

3. 
   nugene | Aug 17, 1999 08:24am | #6

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   Hello everyone. Our kitchen light only has one switch andof course it ison the wrong side of the kitchen. I have very little experience with electrical wiring so Itrust that someone will be able to offer some help.

   I would like to add a new switch on the other side of the kitchen. Can I just splice into the wiring in the attic or do I need to pull off of the other switch?

   Thanks